Window Treatment Trends

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Window treatments remain simple in style and muted in color, for the most part, according to area authorities. Valances have given way to simple cornices, they say, and draperies coupled with shades of varying types remain popular.

In agreement is David Buffington of Brentwood Interiors, who says the trend in window treatments is toward a more simple design. “Softly pleated drapery panels in solid or printed fabrics are classic and provide a clean, minimalist look. In the past, heavy drapery treatments with multi layers and top treatments were popular, but in the last 5 years we have seen that change to a more simplified appearance,” he says.

“We like to keep window treatments simple and classic,” says Ann Calvert of Sara Ray Interiors. “For more traditional projects, we love to choose linens with a Euro pleat on iron hardware with rings. Modern designs consist of very clean or hidden hardware with ripple fold style sheers or solids with a texture. Roman shades are perfect for windows where drapery panels are not an option.”

Speaking to the increasing use of texture is Kim Kiner of Hunter Douglas. “Solids even have a bit of texture and the more trending patterns are designs that in a sense become a texture,” she says.

“Even though everyday luxury is trending,” Kiner says, “elaborate window treatments are not. The everyday style is more minimal, simple, less overdone, but at the same time functional and beautiful.” She notes that Hunter Douglas customers have moved away from harder materials such as wood or metal to softer fabric window treatments, while maintaining an interest in energy efficiency.”

Calvert says, “We like to keep it simple, with no valances or swags, whether it’s a modern or more traditional home. Trims, layers, and extras can get dated fast. We do love Roman shades—they give us the freedom to choose beautiful fabrics, with the functionality of a window shade.”

Buffington notes, “Soft Roman style shades or fabric blinds provide light control and privacy while still keeping the look from becoming too heavy.“

Joann Reynods of The Fabric House says her clients also prefer a minimalist look. “It’s sleek, simple, and lets the fabric do the talking. Often it’s a well-textured fabric with maybe a trim on the edges. Trending are Roman shades and drapery panels—both functional and non-functional,” she says.

Reynolds reports that neutrals are still popular. “Grays, naturals, and shades of white. We still do some graphic patterns and designs,” she adds. “All window treatments are simple, sleek, and modern looking in their construction.”

Reporting that beautiful fabrics, in both solid and patterns with decorative trims or contrast banding, are in demand, is Bohnne Jones of Decorating Den Interiors. “So many people have been painting their homes gray and call us to ‘add some color.’ Draperies and other soft window fashions are a great way to add color and personalize a home. We are doing functional (open and close) draperies, as well as mult-layer panels, cornices, valances, sheets, and Roman shades.”

Adding that she is seeing far fewer swags, Jones says clients prefer a more modern clean-lined look that requires a simpler treatment with drop-dead hardware option. Several clients are requesting top treatments to soften the hard look of a naked window, she notes, and Roman shades can now be made cordless for child safety.

Regarding panels, Jones reports that clients still like the striae, (multiple fabrics horizontally in a single panel), and we are seeing more use of multiple fabrics in layered treatments. “Decorative tapes and contrast fabric banding are very on-trend. And the latest in decorative hardware offers a range from rustic or industrial to traditional or ultra-European modern—or anywhere in between,” Jones says.

Decorative wrought iron rod hardware works well with the current designs, says Buffington, both for traversing panels and stationary side panels.

“We’re seeing more fabric at the window in a move away from hard shutters,” she adds. “Functional/traversing draperies are popular and sheers for light control, privacy, and energy efficiency are very desirable.”

“Drapery gives any room a softer, finished look and feel,” says Teresa Zilinisky of Teresa Zilinsky Interior Designs. “Many clients don’t want to cover up their windows or eliminate any light. So we install the rod high above the window trim and out as far as we can on the sides, clearing the window when the drapes are open. Draperies are also the clear choice for privacy and many clients love the option of black-out lining—there’s nothing better when you want to sleep in.”

Roman shades remain a functional and beautiful window treatment, Zilinsky says. “We are seeing them in bathrooms, kitchens, and bedrooms, where we often incorporate black-out lining. Two styles are popular—the classic roman shade with no trim, but also a softer, relaxed roman shade with a soft droop in the center. Fabrics are generally cotton or linen either in solids or soft patterns,” she adds.

Zilinsky notes that some customers favor the grommet look of drapes rather than the traditional pleats, notes Zilinsky. “And in addition to Roman shades, we are seeing some simple valances or cornices in laundry rooms.” A flowing drape can also be paired with a structured cornice and are making appearances more often today.

While Jones reports favored colors include yellow, pink, coral and lime green, as well as spa blues, she adds that jewel tones are making a comeback and natural/neutral linen looks are still very on-trend.

Calvert says her clients favor soft neutrals, with textures and delicate prints that look handmade, as well as ombre drapes. She reports colors popular among clients are soft neutrals with rose tones and pale, silvery blues.

According to Buffington, his clients favor blues of all shades, grays and neutrals, and notes that colorful prints are very popular now.

Zilinsky says she sees light colors and tones, both in patterns and solids. “Tones on tone of whites, grays, or tans with touches of blue or soft green are popular, as are soft florals or simple lines or patterns,” she adds. “Understated and softness are the looks most in favor.”

There are a number of sources for widow treatments in the Nashville area including:

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